Steven Caulker

Yes he moved to arch-rivals Cardiff. Yes he scored a goal to sink the Swans in a South Wales derby. But Caulker's qualities must not be forgotten.

Steven Caulker closes down Liverpool's Luis Suarez while on loan at Swansea

The former Swansea loan player has seen his career stagnate at Queens Park Rangers, despite spells in the Premier League with Liverpool and Southampton (where he rarely featured in the first team).

A permanent switch to the Liberty might just be the ideal move for everybody concerned. A revitalised Caulker, now more experienced, could slot seamlessly into the back four. And at 24, Caulker is now a maturing centre back and could be available for around £7million.

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Sebastien Bassong

If Bradley and Swansea's head of recruitment Dave Leadbeater were building a profile of an 'ideal' centre back to sign in January, they would surely demand: height, strength, leadership and experience. Those are the qualities the Swans have been criminally short of at the back. Williams had them in abundance. For all the promise of Alfie Mawson, he isn't ready to fill those sizeable shoes.

Bassong is a leader at the back

Therefore a move for 30-year-old Norwich defender Bassong makes perfect sense. The Cameroon international has enjoyed stints in the Premier League with Tottenham and Newcastle. Top flight experience will be paramount when Swansea begin their search.

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Ron Vlaar

The former Villa captain drew interest from Manchester United after a stunning debut season in the West Midlands. His departure to AZ Alkmaar in the summer of 2015 sparked a swift decline at Villa Park. Much like Swansea at the moment, the Villains lacked presence and experience in their back line without Vlaar and relegation became inevitable.

Former Aston Villa defender Ron Vlaar

Now 31, with 31 Netherlands caps, Vlaar would be a solid choice for the Swans. But after signing a renewed deal with the Dutch side in May, he could cost as much as £5million, a hefty price for a player of his age.

Christopher Samba

Another player whose age counts against him, but certainly an immense physical presence and imperious in the air. Samba's career since leaving QPR in 2013 has taken him to Panathinaikos via Anzhi Makhachkala and Dinamo Moscow.

Former Blackburn and QPR defender Samba

Both Russian clubs paid considerable fees for his services. In fact, Samba has accrued transfer fees of £43million throughout a 15-year career. But at 32, he would cost Swansea a lot less with a transfer value of around £2.5million.

Inflated wages might be the only stumbling block if Bradley plumped for the Congolese international.

Lewis Dunk

Closer to home, Bradley's eye might have been caught by promising 25-year-old Brighton centre back Dunk, who has impressed onlookers this season.

Lewis Dunk celebrates a goal for Brighton in the play-off semi final last season against Sheffield Wednesday

As the Seagulls have soared to 2nd in the table, the Englishman has established himself as one of the Championship's leading defenders behind Newcastle captain Jamal Lascelles.

With Lascelles unlikely to view Swansea as an attractive proposition in January, Dunk could emerge as a top target. He lacks Premier League experience, but is already on the radar of West Brom and Crystal Palace according to reports. A player who could easily adapt to the step-up in quality.